PANAJI
Colvale Central Jail has witnessed a sweeping churn of security personnel within days, with 41 constables moved out to IRB camps over the weekend and 65 personnel transferred from various IRB camps and the GRP to the Correctional Home.
The unusually large-scale reshuffle comes against the backdrop of a series of allegations surrounding the functioning of the facility, including alleged nexus between some jail officials, IRB personnel and inmates to facilitate the movement of contraband.
In the transfer order on September 18 covering 84 IRB constables, 32 personnel were shunted from Colvale Central Jail to IRB camps at Altinho and Kadamba, while 30 were transferred from the IRB Wagheri camp to Colvale.
Another 10 personnel were moved from the jail premises to IRB Altinho, while 12 constables were transferred from IRB Altinho to Colvale.
A fresh order issued on Monday added 25 more constables from the GRP and SP Centre, Mapusa, to Colvale Jail, with directions that all personnel be relieved immediately and report to the Central Jail.
The reshuffle assumes significance as the government has been monitoring internal inquiries into how contraband continues to find its way into the jail despite multiple layers of security.
Last year, security personnel had apprehended four minors allegedly caught throwing rubber balls containing ganja into the prison premises. Seven such balls were recovered, containing 1.397 gm of ganja and valued at around Rs 1.4 lakh.
With the jail comprising at least three layers of security, IRB personnel conduct frisking at the main gate, followed by another security point around 200 mtrs inside, where prison staff conduct further checks. IRB personnel are also deployed in the intervening area and a security tower overlooks the premises.
Sources alleged that bags entering through these channels are rarely subjected to X-ray screening, with only certain smaller security bags being checked. Mobile phones and electronic appliances are also allegedly being smuggled into the facility.
The functioning of the high-security cell was also questioned with allegations that some high-profile inmates received preferential treatment.
